Thanks Of A Grateful Nation

President Barack Obama deserves the heartfelt thanks from a jubilant nation for bringing Osama bin Laden, the world’s #1 terrorist, to justice.

This closes a gaping national wound that has been plaguing this great nation for decades. It strikes a deep blow to international terrorism. The bad guys now know for certain that they can never be safe and that they will always be brought to account for their actions.

A National Celebration

Spontaneous patriotic celebrations brimming with national pride appeared out of nowhere last night. Appropriately, they began outside the White House, at Ground Zero, and at Times Square in New York City.

In a kind of national catharsis, people began a joyous release of emotion everywhere across this country.

It looked like the most enthusiastic 4th of July ever, minus the fireworks. Flags were everywhere. People wore patriotic plastic top hats, waved their arms and chanted, “USA! USA! USA!”. Young people climbed trees and utility poles to display flags high and proud.

The energy release was infectious, loud and enthusiastic.

The mastermind of 9/11 is dead! Long live the United States of America!

Taking A Big Chance

The buck stops with President Obama. He, alone, made the tough decision to risk lives in order to protect the nation’s greater good. No matter how well prepared our military believe they are the President, alone, must take the blame for failure.

Some will say Obama’s decision did not require real courage. They would be wrong.

Two president’s before him had already made similar commitments to get bin Laden only to meet with humiliating defeat. And they committing far greater firepower to their efforts.

President Bill Clinton fired 66 cruise missiles into an al-Qaeda training camp deep inside Afghanistan only to later learn that bin Laden had left the camp shortly before the attack.

President George W. Bush invaded the whole country of Afghanistan and overthrew the Taliban government who harbored bin Laden. He chased Bin Laden to the Tora Bora area on the Afghan-Pakistani border and carpet bombed his hideout for three straight days only to have bin Laden slip through his fingers into Pakistan.

It takes guts to try what others before you had tried and failed to accomplish.

Clinton and Bush Comment

Both former President’s who ordered military action to get Osama bin Laden commented.

Former President George W. Bush congratulated President Obama and U.S. forces. He released a statement about the killing of Osama bin Laden.

Former President George W. Bush said:

“This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.”

Former President Bill Clinton released this statement:

“This is a profoundly important moment not just for the families of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and in al-Qaida’s other attacks but for people all over the world who want to build a common future of peace, freedom, and cooperation for our children. I congratulate the President, the National Security team and the members of our armed forces on bringing Osama bin Laden to justice after more than a decade of murderous al-Qaida attacks.”

As their statements prove, President Obama’s accomplishment transcends all political boundaries and is the triumphant culmination of the efforts of the last three administrations.

Conclusion

The mindless talk heads of political talk radio and TV political pundits are already turning this event into re-election slogans. That is very unfortunate.

This great national accomplishment should and will bolster Obama’s re-election chances. However, it will be a great electoral disappointment if it is used for political fodder by Republicans and Democrats for pure political purposes.

There are already enough serious national issues to fill ten campaigns. We don’t need any more.

To turn this event into political theater for re-election campaign sound bites will only cheapen President Obama’s and this nation’s collective accomplishment.

This is a national victory to be shared by ALL Americans with all other nation’s of the world and with all freedom seeking people who oppose international terrorism.